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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Best way to handle numbers on race day

neilchanter

Mar 24, 04 5:53

Post #1 of 16 (478 views)

Best way to handle numbers on race day	Can't Post

Can anyone help a complete novice (actually first timer) on the issue of race day numbers.

Is there a way to avoid having to pin numbers to yourself on the bike and run? I've seen number belts at trisports, etc. - but can you use them for the bike and run? The sites seem to imply the number belts are for the run only - what do you do on the bike? How do you (i.e. those who have done this before and think this question is idiotic) deal with numbers on race day? What is the best option?

Many thanks (as always)

Neil

frogonawire

Mar 24, 04 5:56

Post #2 of 16 (471 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [neilchanter] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have yet to participate in a race where the paper number was required during the bike (usually they supply a number to put on the bike), however, I have seen people put on the race number belt, turn it aroound so the number is on the back, then turn it back around during the run.

__________________________________________________
Splash me!

jmorrissey

Mar 24, 04 6:09

Post #3 of 16 (451 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [frogonawire] [In reply to]	Can't Post

"I have seen people put on the race number belt, turn it aroound so the number is on the back, then turn it back around during the run."

That seems to be what works best. It saves you from having to attach the number to your clothes, and is one less thing to dick around with in T2.

I originally balked at pending $7 for a nylon strap(I'm sooo cheap), but the convenience more than makes up for the money you spend.
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jaretj

Mar 24, 04 6:16

Post #4 of 16 (432 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [neilchanter] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've never had a race where you were requied to have a number pinned on your shirt while on the bike.

I use a race belt during the run. After I get my shoes on I just grab it and put it on while running out of transition. I supposed you could turn it around and use it on the bike.

This year I will bring my own marker for body marking. Last year I kept getting the guy that couldn't draw numbers marking me.

jaretj

Those, who get too big for their britches, will be exposed in the end.

2010 Races:
Triple T
Long Course Nationals
http://jaretj.blogspot.com

Johnny99

Mar 24, 04 6:22

Post #5 of 16 (423 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [neilchanter] [In reply to]	Can't Post

The belts are great. And cheap, by triathlon standards. They work fine on the bike. Just crumple up the number so it's not so stiff and noisy. I put the number behind me on the bike and then swing it around front for the run. No more poking pins into your fingers on clothing.

smartasscoach

Mar 24, 04 6:24

Post #6 of 16 (416 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [Johnny99] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Race belts are cheap? I think not! I use an elastic band from an old pair of Calvin Klein underwear, those were not cheap! ;-)))
-
"Yeah, no one likes a smartass, but we all like stars" - Thom Yorke

smartasscoach.tri-oeiras.com

Dennis 55

Mar 24, 04 6:26

Post #7 of 16 (408 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [neilchanter] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Pin your # on the race belt. Turn it around toward the back when on the bike, rotate it to the front when on the run

pat

Mar 24, 04 6:28

Post #8 of 16 (404 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [neilchanter] [In reply to]	Can't Post

number belt. put it on with number on back under wetsuit. no action needed in T1. on your way out of T2, turn it around.

DanP

Mar 24, 04 6:31

Post #9 of 16 (399 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [neilchanter] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Don't rely on the little snap buttons to hold the number to the belt. Use safety pins. The buttons pop off. You don't want to have to pull your bike over and chase after your number.

neilchanter

Mar 24, 04 6:37

Post #10 of 16 (391 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [pat] [In reply to]	Can't Post

This site rocks - thanks for all your help.

Neil

Onyx

Mar 24, 04 6:55

Post #11 of 16 (358 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [DanP] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ditto. In my last race last year, one of the buttons popped off and the stupid number was flapping around. I just ripped it off and hoped I wouldn't get spotted and penalized. This year I'm going to safety pin the number to the race belt. I've lost both snaps anyway. One other piece of advice - pin the number on such that there is some slack in the number, so that when you pull the race belt around your waist, the number becomes taut. Otherwise, you'll rip the number out of the pins if you don't allow for the belt to lengthen.

Jim

Mar 24, 04 8:03

Post #12 of 16 (300 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [Onyx] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Better solution (and cheaper) buy some 1/4 in elastic at the fabric store. Cut to correct length, thread thru holes in number, tie in a knot, just slip it over your head. Works better than a $7 belt, costs about $.25

Jim

Jim

Casual Triathlete

b192jkn

Mar 24, 04 8:19

Post #13 of 16 (263 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [neilchanter] [In reply to]	Can't Post

all great advice, but make sure the belt has holes for your gels. mine will hold 8 i think. it works great

AndrewPhx

Mar 24, 04 8:36

Post #14 of 16 (243 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [frogonawire] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Never required a number for the race? Try racing in France. In a race a few years ago, I got about a hundred yards on the bike when the race officials started screaming at me about my number. I had to drop my bike, go back to tranistion and get my number. (I also had to get a note from a doctor to participate in the race because I did not have my USAT card).

gleveq

Mar 24, 04 10:55

Post #15 of 16 (137 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [pat] [In reply to]	Can't Post

If it's a wetsuit swim, I put my # on my race belt and kind of roll it around the belt, put the belt on with the # in the back and wear it that way for the bike and run. Then when it's run time, I just spin it around and unroll the number as I'm running. Keeps it from flapping around on the bike and I don't have to worry about forgetting to put my # on.........did that once.

G

It's a little like wrestling a gorilla.........you don't stop when you're tired.........you stop when the gorilla is tired.

www.gorillamultisport.com

Mac

Mar 24, 04 11:12

Post #16 of 16 (111 views)

Re: Best way to handle numbers on race day [gleveq] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Paper number is required for all IM North America races on the bike, Great Floridian too. Great advice from others already posted!